tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:/en/projects 2026-05-01T01:04:39Z tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/524516 2026-04-30T00:00:00Z 2026-05-01T01:04:39Z Cape Ann Pride is organizing the third annual “Cape Ann Families Bowl With Pride” event at Cape Ann Lanes in Gloucester—a fun, welcoming, family-friendly gathering that brings LGBTQIA+ people and their allies together in a safe and supportive space. Planned for Sunday afternoon, May 31, the event invites families, teens, and community members from across Cape Ann to enjoy a relaxed afternoon of bowling, conversation, and connection. This event has quickly become a favorite Pride event because it offers a simple and joyful way for people to come together. Bowling is accessible to all ages and creates a natural environment for people to meet, laugh, and build community. For many LGBTQIA+ youth and families, spaces where they can gather openly and comfortably are still limited. This event intentionally creates a welcoming environment where everyone can simply show up, have fun, and feel supported. Cape Ann Lanes has partnered with CAP to host the event, turning the bowling center into a vibrant community hub for the afternoon. By its third year, “Cape Ann Families Bowl With Pride” continues to grow as an event that strengthens community connections while celebrating Pride on Cape Ann. Colleen Murdock and Heather Stewart Cape Ann Families Bowl with Pride http://CapeAnnPride.org United States Gloucester, MA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/gloucester tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/541134 2026-04-29T00:00:00Z 2026-05-04T13:05:06Z Happy Valley FitLink is an inclusive wellness program for neurodiverse individuals (intellectual disabilities, Autism, cerebral palsy). Our vision is to build an inclusive community where individuals with intellectual disabilities express themselves through movement. We provide weekly adapted fitness classes for all ages and serve as an educational resource for participants and their families/caregivers through wellness seminars focused on whole-body health. We also hold special events to allow our group to experience other recreational opportunities availible in the State College area like fly fishing, pickle ball, rock climbing, and disc golf. Our program is entirely volunteer-run, and all services are free. We partner with PSU interns who help lead classes and support our seminars; many go on to careers in healthcare and other people-facing professions, where this experience shapes their ability to provide more inclusive, patient-centered care and advocate for improved accessibility for individuals with IDD across clinical and community settings. We offer 4 weekly fitness classes: cardio drumming at Grace Lutheran Church in State College, group fitness at the State College YMCA, and two virtual classes for participants inside and outside the area. We also provide two weekly wellness education classes for LifelinkPSU, a special education classroom on Penn State’s campus. Participation remains strong, but we have not updated equipment since 2021. We are also serving individuals with greater support needs and require funding to purchase new equipment and modify existing materials to improve accessibility, especially for participants unable to hold pool noodles used in drumming. Since 2021, we have held 250+ fitness classes, 100+ wellness seminars, and hosted 40+ PSU student interns. We are seeking funding from 3 Dots to continue providing high-quality, inclusive wellness programming to the State College community. JACOB JOHN COREY Happy Valley FitLink https://www.happyvalleyfitlink.com/ United States State College, PA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/statecollege tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/530680 2026-04-29T00:00:00Z 2026-05-04T13:05:35Z Located just outside of Centre Hall, Penn’s Prairie Park is a 165‑acre community park designed to be a welcoming destination for visitors of all ages and abilities. Existing features include trails, a library ADA StoryWalk, two athletic fields, an 18‑hole disc golf course, a pavilion, and a new playground. Eagle Scouts have added a rustic pavilion, fire pit, picnic tables, and a redeveloped bike skills course, while the Girl Scouts have created a small pollinator plot. After years of steady volunteer effort, the park is beginning to come into its full potential. In Spring 2025, the Park Board designated four acres as a Pollinator Parcel. The goal is to transform the existing meadow, already largely free of invasive species, into a thriving pollinator garden filled with native plantings and habitat features such as a solitary bee “hotel.” This project directly enhances the visitor experience by adding beauty, food and shelter for pollinators, and hands‑on educational opportunities for all visitors. This grant will fund groupings of native perennials, 5 plant identification signs, and a solitary bee hotel. These are tangible, lasting improvements: native perennials will spread over time, offering blooms (pollinator food!) spring through fall, the bee hotel will support cavity‑nesting species for years, and the signs will help visitors learn to recognize and value native plants. The project also invites broad community involvement. Two local organizations have already committed to assisting with planting, and the park will promote volunteer opportunities to the wider community. As the garden grows, it will serve as a living classroom. A scripted educational pollinator walk, already developed, will eventually be paired with four larger interpretive signs, and combined with this project’s signage and bee hotel, will enable any educator or community leader to guide groups through the space and learn about native species and pollinator conservation. Erin Rubio Penn's Prairie Park Pollinator Parcel Enhancements http://www.PennsPrairie.com United States State College, PA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/statecollege tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/538877 2026-04-29T00:00:00Z 2026-04-30T15:47:06Z Trans activist and OG of Providence's South Side, Jesse Andrews, is creating a book tentatively titled, “I’m from the South Side: The Life and Journey of Jesse Andrews, a.k.a. Lil’ Kim.” The work is accompanied by a photo exhibition produced in collaboration with Jorge Ureña. As Andrews describes, the importance of this project is threefold: "1) to uplift my life and survival as an unsung leader whose radical activism has created possibilities for the next generation 2) to shed light on trans women of color history in the state because my story is bound up in the stories and care networks of other trans women 3) provide a space of inspiration and knowledge sharing for the younger generation of trans women and non-binary people during this moment of heightened transphobia and state repression of trans lives." The exhibit is set to open June 28th at Arts by Ariel, a venue that has long served Black and Brown artists and activists. Later plans include work at AS220 (August) and the South Side Cultural Center (November) to accompany Trans Day of Remembrance Celebration of Life. Jesse Andrews Trans History Through the South Side United States Rhode Island https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/rhodeisland tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/538834 2026-04-28T00:00:00Z 2026-04-29T14:15:25Z "Messages from the Mic" is a documentary that traces the life, resilience, and enduring legacy of Richard Steele, a pioneering Black radio disc jockey and television broadcaster whose voice helped define the sound and soul of Chicago. In a city shaped by rhythm, struggle, and creativity, Steele’s cool, commanding presence cut through the noise, rooted in honesty, humor, and a deep connection to the people he served. More than an entertainer, he was a cultural anchor and connector, interviewing icons, challenging norms, and redefining what was possible for a Black broadcaster in one of America’s most influential media markets. Yet behind the mic, Steele’s journey was shaped by private battles, systemic barriers, and the challenges of breaking & sustaining new ground in spaces few had occupied. Directed by his granddaughter, Christen Slaughter, the film entwines archival footage, intimate reflection, and untold stories to paint a personal portrait of a man whose versatility, presence, and humanity made him a defining voice in Chicago’s cultural heartbeat. Messages from the Mic honors not only Steele’s life, but the enduring role of Black radio as a keeper of cultural memory, where voices like his shaped a city’s sound, preserved its stories, and left an indelible mark on Chicago. The Awesome Foundation Grant would directly fund a specific and essential part of the project: the digitization and preservation of archival materials connected to Richard Steele’s legacy, as well as partial compensation for crew during upcoming interview shoots. A portion of the funds would be used to professionally digitize and restore rare photographs and historical media so they can be properly integrated into the documentary. These materials are central to the storytelling and help ground the film in the historical context of his work and impact in Chicago media. The remaining funds would go toward supporting a small crew during production days, particularly camera and sound support during key interviews. This allows capturing high-quality material while maintaining a respectful and sustainable production process. Christen Slaughter The Real Steele: Messages From the Mic https://www.christensimone.com/richard-steele-doc United States Chicago, IL https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/chicago tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/520839 2026-04-27T00:00:00Z 2026-05-02T18:22:30Z Take a Jit to Fish™ is a community-based youth program in Orlando that combines fishing, STEM education, and mentorship to create a positive and hands-on learning experience for kids. We are applying for this grant to host a free community fishing event where youth can learn real-life science concepts like buoyancy, ecosystems, and water conservation while also developing patience, discipline, and confidence. This event will serve 30–50 youth, many of whom come from underserved communities with limited access to outdoor learning opportunities. Through this experience, kids will not only learn how to fish, but also gain exposure to positive role models, teamwork, and new possibilities for their future. Take a Jit to Fish™ is about more than fishing—it’s about giving kids a safe space, teaching life skills, and creating moments that can change the direction of their lives. Antron Sanders Take a Jit to Fish™️- Fishing&Life Skills-STEM https://www.instagram.com/takeajittofish?igsh=MTMyNXZucXZwejIwbA== United States Orlando, FL https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/orlando tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/534606 2026-04-20T00:00:00Z 2026-04-21T14:43:22Z La Guelaguetza is a one-day cultural and arts festival celebrating the folklore of Oaxaca, Mexico through the experience of authentic Oaxacan dance, music and food.Celebrating its 19th year, La Guelaguetza 2026 brings Grupo Folclórico de Poughkeepsie (GFP), under the direction of Felipe Santos, volunteer members of La Guelaguetza Poughkeepsie organizing committee, and a dedicated group of over 40 individuals from the Hudson Valley community together to host the festival. For La Guelaguetza 2026, a total of six dance groups, five singers and a live band from California will perform. The artists performing traditional folkloric dances native to Oaxaca are paired with music from each region. The audience learns of the meaning and historical context of each of the day's performances in both Spanish and English. Each dance is executed with corresponding costumes, offerings and movement to signify unique indigenous, historical, and cultural significances. In addition to the colorful performances, visitors can enjoy a variety of authentic Mexican food to eat and craft vendors offer jewelry and other handmade items for purchase. Several area non-profits offer bilingual information about health screenings, voter registration, and library services, immigration and naturalization, as well as, tourist information for Dutchess County and the surrounding Hudson Valley. Jessica Sherman La Guelaguetza 2026 https://www.facebook.com/pokguelaguetza/ United States Poughkeepsie, NY https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/poughkeepsie tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/519531 2026-04-19T00:00:00Z 2026-04-29T13:49:36Z BlackCount is launching Culture to Civic: Detroit Youth Takeover, a bold, high-energy pop-up experience where culture meets leadership and young people step into their voice in real time. This is not a panel. Not a workshop. Not another program youth sit through. This is an immersive, youth-led experience designed to feel like the spaces they already love—music, conversation, creativity, but with a deeper purpose. Through live elements, storytelling, and interactive moments, young people will explore leadership, identity, and the power they hold to shape their communities. The experience will be activated in a dynamic Detroit cultural setting, such as a summer gathering or live venue space, where youth are already present and engaged. By meeting young people where they are, we create a space that feels authentic, accessible, and energizing. Detroit is a city rich in culture, resilience, and influence. This project taps directly into that energy by creating a space where youth don’t just participate, they lead. They share perspectives, connect with mentors, and see firsthand how culture, entrepreneurship, and community impact intersect. What makes this project “awesome” is that it flips the script. Instead of asking youth to adapt to traditional systems, we bring leadership and opportunity into spaces that already feel real to them. It creates a moment where young people can see themselves differently. This is the first activation of a model BlackCount plans to expand, turning culture into a gateway for confidence, connection, and leadership. Carmen Meeks Culture to Civic: Detroit Youth Takeover http://blackcount.org United States Detroit, MI https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/detroit tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/533519 2026-04-16T00:00:00Z 2026-04-29T15:23:16Z Kingston has plenty of visitor guides, event listings, and “things to do” content. What it does not have is a practical belonging map for non-student adults, and newer residents trying to actually build a life here. The Belong Map is a story-led photo and reel-based community discovery project that makes Kingston’s invisible social infrastructure more visible. Instead of showing where to visit, it will show where people start to belong. The project has two outputs. Primary output is a digital Belonging Map for non-student adults and newer residents, plus a limited printed version for participants. It will feature story- led photo posts of 8–12 low-cost, easy-to-access, low-pressure places and community entry points across Kingston, intentionally extending beyond downtown and tourist sites into neighbourhood-friendly spaces. The focus is on people who are by themselves, new here, or not yet rooted - people looking for places where they can start showing up alone, find low-pressure routines to meet others, to stop feeling temporary and start feeling local. The pilot categories include: • go alone without it being weird • meet people without bars, apps, or networking • low-cost places to start showing up • become a regular somewhere • easy first steps for newcomers • join in without already knowing someone • alcohol-free ways to be around people • neighbourhood routines that make Kingston feel less temporary Secondary output is a small portrait and reel series, How We Belong in Kingston, featuring real people and real places behind that map. Each story will answer a practical question: what helped this person find their footing here, and where should someone new start? This project helps people live Kingston, not just visit it. The goal is to create a first public version that is useful, shareable, visually strong, and clearly grounded in real local routines and community spaces. A map that people could actually save, share and come back to use. Petal N Dust The Belong Map- The map Visit Kingston forgot. https://petalndust.wordpress.com/the-belong-map/ Canada Kingston https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/kingston-on tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/534473 2026-04-16T00:00:00Z 2026-04-23T21:39:12Z AwesomeStPaul’s April 2026 grant will fund a youth-led Summer Soccer Camp. Congratulations! Now in its third year, this collaborative soccer camp brings together St. Paul Central High School, the St. Paul Central Sports Boosters, and Saint Paul Parks & Recreation to create something genuinely special: a free or low-cost soccer experience designed for youth, with a focus on girls, from elementary and middle school. St. Paul Central is the largest public high school in Saint Paul, situated right in the heart of the city and serving one of its most diverse communities. That location makes it a natural hub for exactly this kind of cross-community programming. What makes this program unique is its generational coaching model. Each year, 30 high school athletes step into leadership roles as coaches, mentoring approximately 100 younger campers and building real connections across grade levels. For the younger kids, it's more than just soccer, it's a chance to feel excited and confident about the transition to high school, guided by peers they can look up to. This program is also a direct response to the growing "pay-to-play" crisis in youth sports. As club leagues and competitive programs price out working-class and lower-income families, free community events like this one ensure that zip code and family income don't determine which kids get to play. Every child deserves access to sport, coaching, and the life skills that come with them. For the high school coaches, the impact runs just as deep. Women and girls remain significantly underrepresented in coaching at every level, from youth leagues to collegiate programs. By putting high school girls in charge, this camp gives them hands-on coaching experience early, helping to build the next generation of female athletic leaders and close a gap that starts long before the professional ranks. The camp strengthens the fabric of the Saint Paul community by connecting families, bridging schools, and fostering relationships between students who might not otherwise meet. Sports, at their best, are a powerful equalizer. Jeni O'Malley Youth Led, Summer Soccer Camp https://www.centralboosters.org/ United States St. Paul, MN https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/stpaul tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/463123 2026-04-15T00:00:00Z 2026-04-15T17:15:38Z Sacred Passage Death Doula Services provides compassionate, non-medical support to individuals and families navigating serious illness, death, and grief in Cass and Clay counties. Founded in 2025 and now a nonprofit, our organization exists to ensure that no one has to face dying or loss alone. With this $1,000 grant, we will create a Community Grief Support Fund to offer free and sliding-scale death doula services to individuals and families who are experiencing isolation, caregiving overwhelm, or financial barriers to care. This includes one-on-one emotional support, companionship during serious illness or dying, guidance around end-of-life conversations, and grief support before and after death. Funds will be used for direct service hours, grief and legacy materials, and outreach so that care can reach people who are often overlooked, especially those without family support or access to traditional services. In the Fargo–Moorhead area, where isolation, long winters, and limited grief resources intensify loss, this project brings care back into community at a time when it is deeply needed. Audrey Heilman Sacred Passage Community Grief Support Fund http://www.sacredpassagedoulas.com United States Cass Clay https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/cassclay tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/510317 2026-04-14T00:00:00Z 2026-04-14T22:49:56Z Once a year, the Peekskill community comes alive on the farm for Praise in the Garden, a celebration of food, art, and connection. Neighbors gather for a free farm-to-table meal while enjoying live performances from local artists, as well as talent from NYC, Upper Westchester, and beyond. From dance to open mic, the farm becomes a stage where creativity and community meet, creating unforgettable shared moments on the land. Serving over 100 people, this beloved event has become a cornerstone of both the farm and the Peekskill community. AMANDA ARMENTEROS Peekskill Regeneration Farm "Praise in the Garden" https://www.peekskillregenerationfarm.org/ United States Peekskill, NY https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/peekskill tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/535101 2026-04-14T00:00:00Z 2026-04-15T19:03:19Z For several years, I've had recurring dreams where horses murder me. Not in horse ways. In human ways: poisonings, stabbings, being buried alive. The horses are always deliberate. Methodical. Dressed for the occasion. Then I read Jung. It turns out that recurring dream figures who threaten the dreamer are symbols of transformation. The unconscious sends what you need to become to kill off who you've been. My horses aren't trying to end me. They're trying to change me. For 15 years, they have stuck with me as psychopomps of change and progress, literal symbols of movement and speed. After all the growth, all the fear, the pain, the laughs, the tears, it feels only fitting to honor them by bringing them to life through pigment and canvas. Murder Horses is a series of 22 oil paintings, one per documented dream. Each piece captures a specific horse, a specific method, a specific mood. The first completed painting, "The Gentleman," shows a horse in cityscape at night with a knife. How he wields it is anyone's guess but make no mistake he intends to use it! His eyes hold everything from wildness, madness, and incredulity at his own intentions. The series is absurd, sincere, and deeply personal. I've performed spoken word companion pieces at open mics. I'm pursuing local gallery exhibitions. And yes, the paintings are funny...right up until they aren't. This grant would let me stop splitting my focus between survival work and this series, and just paint the horses. Andrew Dink Murder Horses United States San Francisco, CA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/sf tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/536193 2026-04-14T00:00:00Z 2026-04-14T13:07:42Z port doesn't build character... it simply exposes your flaws and addressing them to improve takes intention. I'm on a mission to build a better version of myself! I started playing with the womens national Goalball team in 2015 when SG hosted the ASEAN Para Games(APG) for the 1st time and we were the pioneer team. We functioned around 1 key philosophy - Focus on what you can control - to overcome the challenges of learning to play a game competitively with 0 sight. After we got a Silver at the 2022 APG, our team retired. Although we were the 1st Para team to medal at any major games, its challenging to encourage people with visual impairment to play much less compete and we just don't have enough players. To grow the sport, I started coaching both able-bodied and other persons with visual impairment in mainstream and SPED schools and the community program where we promote unified games(persons of all abilities play together). I also use it as a platform to work with youth-at-risk and teach skills like teamwork and resilience. Competitively, I've since moved on to para Judo. After first trying it in 2018, I really enjoyed it but only started training in 2023. The transition was quite exciting since the two sports was so drastically different. Learning to adapt and be assertive have been the biggest takeaways so far. I'm the only para Judoka in SG, everyone I train and fight with is sighted. The 1st para athlete I fought was last year while trying to qualify for the 2025 APG. Since then, I've gotten a few more opportunities in our neighabouring countries. Currently, I'm attempting to qualify for the Asian Para Games after getting SG's 1st Silver for Para Judo at APG. There hasn't been any Para Judo program here, the adventure has been largely self funded from training camps to competitions and equipment. I am truly grateful that more support will be possible. However, there have and will be some costs that are not covered while trying to achieve my goal. Joan Hung Hui Xin Hajime! Singapore Singapore https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/singapore tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/523811 2026-04-12T00:00:00Z 2026-04-13T22:11:18Z Starlight ArteSana is a ceramic painting workshop that brings families, students, and school community members together through a shared creative experience that is welcoming, collaborative, and accessible to all skill levels. By creating a relaxed, hands-on environment, participants have the opportunity to connect across ages and backgrounds—parents working alongside children, classmates supporting one another, and neighbors engaging in meaningful conversation. The act of making art together encourages patience, self-expression, and mutual encouragement, all of which foster kindness and compassion. The workshop also creates space for participants to reflect on themes of care and community. As individuals design and paint their ceramic pieces, they are encouraged to share ideas, offer help, and celebrate each other’s work. This process builds confidence in young people while strengthening relationships between families and the school community. Finished pieces serve as lasting reminders of shared experience and connection. Our intended audience is students and their families at Starlight Elementary, with an estimated reach of approximately 100 participants. The impact extends beyond the workshop itself, as participants bring their experiences home and into their broader networks, strengthening community ties throughout the County. By centering creativity, inclusion, and shared experience, this project contributes to strengthening connection and support for communities that are historically marginalized in Santa Cruz County. Rebeca Burciaga Starlight ArteSana United States Santa Cruz, CA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/santacruz tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/529624 2026-04-12T00:00:00Z 2026-04-12T21:55:57Z The Historical Society of Newburgh Bay and the Highlands is developing a yearlong exhibit at the Crawford House focusing on the life and work of Newburgh’s own Hudson River School painter, Thomas B. Pope (1833-1891). Inspired by Pope’s scenic paintings in the Crawford House collection and local private collections, as well as the 135th anniversary of his tragic death, the Historical Society plans to launch a contextual exhibit, “The World of Thomas B. Pope”, to explore the artist’s physical locality and daily life here in Newburgh, his stylistic participation in the Hudson River School of painting, and his engagement both with national events like the Civil War and local events like the Centennial of Peace celebrations in 1883. Our exhibit will offer a breadth of visual interest in displaying artifacts of late nineteenth-century Newburgh such as maps, personal effects, ephemera, analogous artwork and daily objects, in addition to featured paintings by Pope himself. The mid- to late-1800s in Newburgh was an exciting time. This was an era of growth and change in our river city, and our exhibit will document those changes. The Newburgh Historical Society will use the life of Thomas Pope to explore the bustle of Newburgh’s industry, immigration and population growth, and the realization that nature itself was a precious resource that was rapidly being lost. Through ongoing archival research by local historians and volunteers, new dimensions of Pope’s life have been uncovered - from his varied Newburgh businesses to his civic engagement as a journalist, fireman and theater set designer to his unfortunate death in a train accident in Beacon. Although earnest in his artistic output, he neither received wide acclaim as a painter in his lifetime nor has he had a large showing of his works posthumously. His is a story that has not yet been told and can truly only be told in Newburgh, as the man and the city grew up together. Historical Society of Newburgh Bay and the Highlands The World of Thomas B. Pope Exhibit https://newburghhistoricalsociety.org/ United States Newburgh, NY https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/newburgh tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/533981 2026-04-12T00:00:00Z 2026-04-12T21:55:17Z Amazing trees surround us, yet we often pass them by, oblivious to all they do and focusing on them only after they’re cut down. The Great & Future Trees project is helping Newburghers walk through our city with a new awareness and new commitment to protecting precious and valuable trees. We are documenting, mapping, and advocating for preservation of Newburgh’s ancient trees while promoting a vibrant culture of urban tree planting and stewardship. We respectfully request that Awesome Newburgh support our May 1st Great Trees Festival featuring: - An exhibit of 24” x 8’ Great Trees banners with photos, historical, botanical and cultural notes and engagement with Environmental Justice Fellows who pioneered this work; - Arborlogues (https://www.ofotheater.com/arborlogues.html) where community members are guided to perform and commune with a tree; - Great Trees of Newburgh maps; - Sign up for tree stewardship events and a petition for a comprehensive tree planting plan. We want this inaugural event to become an annual festival that builds lasting impact through a stronger and more diverse network of residents advocating for citywide tree planting and more people actively protecting our trees. We will create lasting materials for community engagement through an art exhibit, walking tours, and an interactive online map. Why trees? They are crucial to public health and climate adaptation as they sequester carbon and absorb air pollutants. Ancient trees store more carbon and sustain more biodiversity than young trees and serve as living monuments to human history and culture. Trees inspire awe, shade and calm our streets, support physical and mental health, and beautify our blocks. Trees are also cost-effective parts of our urban infrastructure. As summer heat and rain storms intensify, trees are essential, living systems that absorb and distribute stormwater, reduce burden on underground pipes and water treatment plants, and reduce both cooling and heating bills. Kathy Lawrence Great & Future Trees of Newburgh https://www.newburghparksconservancy.org/newburgh-trees United States Newburgh, NY https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/newburgh tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/507580 2026-04-08T00:00:00Z 2026-04-09T00:21:33Z The Revolutionary Writers Poetry Festival (May 15–17, Baltimore City) is a three-day, statewide literary convening created and hosted by me in my capacity as Poet Laureate of Maryland. This festival is my official creative project as Laureate and is currently being fully funded through my personal investment, reflecting both my commitment to Maryland’s literary community and the urgent need for sustained support of poets across the state. The festival is designed as an intergenerational, cross-regional platform centering craft, performance, publishing, and economic sustainability for poets. Day One launches at The Voxel with a Bootcamp Poets Meet Up and Orientation, followed by a ticketed one-woman show, Old Bayby by Unique the Word, and The Underground Slam hosted by Black Chakra. This opening evening establishes both professional rigor and community celebration. Days Two and Three take place at Baltimore Unity Hall and expand into a statewide learning laboratory. Workshops include The Elements, The Art of Editing, Mastering Performance, Writing for Social Justice, Writing with Humor, Writing for Healing, Writing for the Stage, Mastering the Page, The Myth of Writer’s Block, and Writing Without Apologies. Panels such as Making Money with Poetry, Perform for Feedback, and A Conversation with Poet Laureates directly address sustainability and professional pathways. Evening programming includes the Queens of Poetry Showcase, Networking Open Mic, Tag Team Slam, Film Screening, and community After Party. The Revolutionary Writers Poetry Festival fills a critical gap in Maryland’s literary ecosystem. While readings are common, comprehensive craft-to-career festivals led by a sitting Poet Laureate are rare. This initiative connects emerging and established writers, provides professional development, and strengthens statewide networks. It prioritizes accessibility, offering multiple open-to-all sessions and community-centered events. "Lady" Brion Gill Revolutionary Writer's Poetry Festival http://revolutionarypoetry.com United States Baltimore, MD https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/baltimore tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/510611 2026-04-06T00:00:00Z 2026-04-07T00:58:00Z We are creating a "Saltwater Cinema" by purchasing a portable waterproof projector and a foldable screen to host outdoor movie nights at the Ardyaloon Trochus Hatchery. Ardyaloon is a remote Bardi Jawi community sitting right on the edge of the Sunday Straits in Northwest Australia, where we experience some of the largest tidal ranges in the world. Lives revolve around the water, but we lack social spaces where families can gather safely after dark to connect and celebrate stories. By setting up a cinema at the Hatchery—the heart of our community’s relationship with the sea—we will transform a working aquaculture site into a magical, moonlit theatre. We plan to screen everything from locally made documentaries about Bardi Jawi sea-country to family favorites. Families will be able to sit on the beach or even watch from their dinghies anchored just offshore during high tide. It’s about bringing "awesome" to a place that is often isolated, using the backdrop of the Kimberley stars and the sound of the ocean to create a one-of-a-kind cultural experience. John Reudavey Saltwater Cinema Worldwide On the Water https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/onthewater tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/368283 2026-04-01T00:00:00Z 2026-04-21T13:55:14Z In a world where negative news headlines are constant and doom scrolling through click bait and 'hot takes' is endless, I am passionate about my local media initiative: The Good News Hunter. This project will begin as an Instagram-first good news platform, dedicated to sharing uplifting, inspiring, meaningful and joyful stories about the people, places, and projects that make Newcastle and the Hunter region such a great place to live. My motivation for starting The Good News Hunter came after experiencing my own difficult chapter when I was evacuated from my home following a recent landslip in the May 2025 floods. It reminded me how important optimism, resilience, and community truly are. Unlike traditional media, The Good News Hunter will not report on crime or controversy. Instead, it will spotlight local kindness, innovation, environmental wins, cultural events, curiosities and personal triumphs. I want it to be an Instagram space where people can come to scroll and feel safe, happy and positive about their local area. Having worked as a journalist for many years across national and local media outlets I know first hand what it is like to report on and share bad news stories. I have seen how divisive news can be and while I loved to tell people’s stories, I was lost in writing content that was making people feel angry, sad or dissatisfied. I want The Good News Hunter to be part of the transformative journalism movement and use storytelling for good. I also want to tap into my local community and platform the people, businesses and initiatives that are doing great work and are not getting their message shared by traditional media. I believe I can grow this platform to reach thousands of local people and contribute to a healthy, happy community. I also believe The Good News Hunter has the potential to grow beyond Instagram to a community in its own right with a podcast, website and events. Laura Jackel The Good News Hunter https://goodnewshunter.com/ Australia Newcastle https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/newcastle tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/512839 2026-04-01T00:00:00Z 2026-04-06T10:01:06Z Our community-based, not-for-profit preschool has been educating and caring for local children since 1963, proudly supporting families in our community for over 60 years. Managed by the community for the community, all fees and funding are reinvested directly back into our services to support children’s learning, wellbeing, and development. We are seeking support through this microgrant to replenish and update toys, play materials, and learning resources used across our preschool environment. High-quality play materials are essential in early childhood education, as children learn best through hands-on experiences, exploration, creativity, and play. Over time, frequently used resources become worn, incomplete, or no longer meet the needs of the children in our care. Updating these materials ensures children continue to have access to safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate resources that support their learning and development. New resources will strengthen our flexible learning environments and support our curriculum focus on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics). Materials such as dramatic play items, construction resources, sensory materials, fine motor activities, and open-ended learning tools help children develop problem-solving skills, creativity, collaboration, and confidence. Our service is committed to providing high-quality early childhood education through qualified teachers and educators, and we continually strive to operate above required staff ratios to best support children’s individual learning and development. We cater for a wide range of ages from birth through to school entry, supporting children during the most important years of their development. Funding will allow us to continue creating rich, engaging learning environments where children feel supported to explore, learn, and thrive. Megan Supporting Learning Through Play https://www.cmcc.nsw.edu.au/ Australia Lower Hunter https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/lowerhunter tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/525962 2026-04-01T00:00:00Z 2026-04-03T22:11:07Z Appin Public School has launched a weekly Guitar Club that has taken off in a way none of us expected. What began as a small lunchtime activity has grown into a vibrant, inclusive space where students from all backgrounds come together to learn, create, and express themselves through music. The club has become so popular that we now have more students wanting to participate than we have instruments available. Right now, students are sharing guitars, waiting for turns, or missing out entirely. With a $1,000 Awesome Foundation grant, we can purchase more guitars to ensure every child who wants to learn can join in. This project gives our students a creative outlet that builds confidence, belonging, and joy. Music is a universal connector — and this club is already transforming lunchtimes into something magical. This project is inclusive, open to students of all abilities, ages, and backgrounds participate. No fees, no barriers, no experience required. It fills a gap - our P&C is volunteer‑run and relies solely on fundraising and donations. There is no school budget for musical instruments. Without external support, we simply cannot meet demand. This project builds community as older students mentor younger ones, friendships form across year groups, and the club has become a safe, positive space for kids who may not connect with traditional sports or activities. Finally, it’s sustainable: Guitars last for years. This one‑off investment will support hundreds of students over time. It sparks creativity: Students are already writing simple riffs, performing for peers, and discovering talents they didn’t know they had. Jodie Hazell Appin Public School Guitar Club https://appin-p.schools.nsw.gov.au/ Australia Sydney https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/sydney tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/514903 2026-04-01T00:00:00Z 2026-04-02T07:48:06Z Our awesome project is called I’ll Scratch Yours, a scratch night of deliciously fresh new writing & performance. We’re serving you piping hot new work, fresh out of Glasgow’s theatrical oven. But, what is a scratch night? In theatre, a “scratch” performance is where brand new work is presented unfinished, unpolished and with little or no budget, and is meeting an audience for the first time. Our event consists of 6 scratch performances, ranging from theatre to music, from performance art to poetry, ending with our signature touch… a mystery special guest! Previous special guest have included a magician and stand up comic, always ending the night on a high! But we are more than just a great night at the theatre. I’ll Scratch Yours was created to give a platform to underrepresented voices and to those who face barriers in getting their work seen. We prioritise underrepresented voices, backgrounds and genders, creating opportunity and access. For both artists and audiences, theatre and culture is becoming increasingly inaccessible. We are on mission to change that. Since 2024, we have successfully produced 3 sold-out events in Glasgow & the response has been incredible. There is a huge appetite for this kind of night, from artists eager to test bold new ideas and from audiences who want to experience a slice of something new and unpolished. Scratch nights are exciting, surprising & full of possibility. I’ll Scratch Yours is a night where you can be entertained, challenged and included. A place where new ideas take their very first breath in front of a live audience. But above all, they are a fun, vibrant and vital part of the Glasgow community. Got the itch to see some fresh, exciting new work? Let us scratch it. FRANCESCA CLARE HESS I'll Scratch Yours https://www.instagram.com/illscratchyours_/ United Kingdom Glasgow https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/glasgow tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/478937 2026-03-31T00:00:00Z 2026-05-04T23:27:08Z The latest Awesome Ottawa award goes to Kate Saunders to support an autism swim program at Gloucester High School. “Children with autism are more likely to drown than the general population,” says Kate, “as water attraction and wandering are common, leading to fatal incidents in pools, ponds, and lakes – especially for young boys.” “Our swim program provides inclusive, adaptive swimming opportunities, designed specifically for our students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The program focuses on water safety, skill development, confidence-building, and sensory regulation in a supportive and structured environment.” “Beyond teaching swimming skills,” continues Kate, “the program supports physical health, emotional regulation, and social development. Swimming provides calming sensory input, improves motor coordination, and builds independence. Our goal is to remove barriers to aquatic participation while promoting lifelong water safety, self-confidence, and enjoyment of physical activity.” “Our goal for our students when they graduate at age 21 is for them to be as functionally independent community members as possible, and swimming is one of their favourite community activities. We go once a week, every Tuesday afternoon. They love playing in the water and practicing their swimming skills.” Kate is a teacher at Gloucester High School. “I am passionate about increasing access to water safety and swim instruction for individuals with autism, and believe that every student deserves the opportunity to feel confident, capable, and safe in the water,” she says. “They deserve a chance to just play and be kids. The joy on their faces makes it all worth it.” Kate Saunders Autism Swim Program Canada Ottawa https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/ottawa tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/527829 2026-03-31T00:00:00Z 2026-04-18T15:41:20Z Microplastic pollution is one of Toronto’s most urgent yet invisible environmental threats, accumulating across waterways, soils, and even drinking systems. To confront this, our student team is developing a breakthrough biotechnology platform that discovers and engineers enzymes capable of breaking down PET (polyethylene terephthalate) microplastics in real‑world environments and not just idealized lab conditions. Working with the RNAlab at the University of Toronto, we created PETAdex, now the world’s largest open‑source database of plastic‑degrading enzymes. Before our work, only ~2,000 such enzymes were known globally. Using planetary‑scale genome assembly (LOGAN), we uncovered 215.7 million candidate enzymes - a 100,000‑fold expansion of the known landscape. PETAdex gives researchers unprecedented visibility into global enzymatic diversity and dramatically accelerates machine‑learning‑driven enzyme discovery. From this resource, we identified two enzymes that degrade PET microplastics faster than FAST‑PETase, the current industry benchmark. Our engineered enzymes generate 4× more terephthalic acid (TPA), indicating faster and more complete PET depolymerization. Our goal is to build a scalable platform capable of discovering and optimizing enzymes for any environment, wastewater plants, rivers, lakes, and eventually for all major microplastics (PE, PP, PS). This project positions Toronto as a leader in sustainable biotechnology and lays the foundation for a viable solution to complete plastics disposal, eliminating environmental toxicity and advancing a circular bioeconomy. This grant will help us prototype pioreactors and purchase wet‑lab reagents to test enzyme performance under real‑world conditions. With community support, we can transform Toronto into an advanced bioengineering hub for next‑generation environmental solutions. This project would not have been made possible without the RNAlab at U of T, the rest of the Logan Consortium, and the iGEM Toronto team. Anthony Dinglasan PETAScale https://petadex.net/ Canada Toronto https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/toronto tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/515923 2026-03-31T00:00:00Z 2026-04-15T13:17:39Z The latest Awesome Ottawa award goes to Liam Callaghan to support a survival backpack rental service for the city. “[Aid and Assist] (https://aidandassist.ca/)’s Borrow a First Aid Kit service provides first aid kit rentals to anyone in Ottawa,” says Liam. “For $25, we deliver a fully stocked kit, retrieve it up to 30 days later, and don’t charge for the first $5 of used supplies. The service is designed for people going on day trips or longer adventures, and for community groups holding larger events once or twice a year that may not have the resources, capacity, or desire to maintain their own comprehensive first aid kits.” “We currently offer three kit types,” continues Liam, “the Daypack, Destination, and Event kits. The Survival Backpack will expand on our service to add a comprehensive backpack kit designed to provide both emergency medical supplies and wilderness survival gear. It will increase emergency preparedness during long-distance excursions by providing the resources for a small group to persevere through a wilderness emergency for a minimum of 72 hours.” “The backpack,” says Liam, “will include an emergency radio and flashlight, emergency rations, expandable water containers, water purification tablets, emergency blankets and sleeping bags, waterproof and windproof matches, a compass, parachute cord, a tourniquet, a splint, glowsticks, and more. It will also only cost $25 to borrow.” By day, Liam is a policy analyst with the RCMP. He and his team used to volunteer and work at the Carleton University Student’s Association, where they pioneered the Borrow a First Aid Kit service for Carleton University students. “Bringing that success to the greater Ottawa area was a clear first step to achieving our mission,” he says. Liam Callaghan Survival Backpack https://aidandassist.ca/ Canada Ottawa https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/ottawa tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/507583 2026-03-31T00:00:00Z 2026-04-09T14:32:20Z Our March grant was awarded to Public Woodcarving in Prospect Park, a free, pop-up woodcarving and hand-tool woodworking demo series in Prospect Park from artist Arden Carlson. The project invites passersby to sit down, pick up a gouge, and try carving for themselves. _In a city that moves fast and runs digital, I want to create a small, analog interruption. Using simple carving blocks and basic tools, I’ll demonstrate safe hand-carving techniques and guide participants through making small sculptural forms — spoons, abstract shapes, or pocket-sized objects._ _This project uses the AwesomeNYC grant to purchase hand tools and materials for free, community-based woodcarving events. The goal is to share foundational hand-tool skills in an accessible, low-pressure environment, offering folks a direct, tactile relationship to making._ _At its core, the project is about craft, curiosity, and the importance of shared, communal practice. Working with hand tools creates space for slowness and attention — qualities that are often missing from daily life. By hosting these events, I hope to lower barriers to woodworking and create a space for exploration._ _Craft has historically been a way knowledge is passed between people. This project continues that lineage, centering skill-sharing, connection, and the quiet value of making something together._ * [Follow Arden on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/ardn_cloud/) * Check out [ardencarlson.com](https://ardencarlson.com) Arden Carlson Public Woodcarving in Prospect Park https://ardencarlson.com United States New York City, NY https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/nyc tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/512433 2026-03-31T00:00:00Z 2026-03-31T17:37:19Z Deaftronics is pioneering solar‑powered hearing aids to transform healthcare inclusion for Deaf communities across Africa. In many regions, access to affordable, reliable hearing technology is limited, and batteries are costly or unavailable. This creates barriers to education, employment, and social participation. Our innovation harnesses renewable energy to break those barriers.We design and manufacture solar‑powered hearing aids that are durable, affordable, and tailored to local needs. Each device comes with a solar‑charging unit, eliminating dependence on expensive disposable batteries. By combining engineering with community empowerment, we ensure that Deaf individuals are not only recipients of technology but leaders in shaping solutions. Our impact extends beyond hearing aids. We train Deaf technicians to assemble and maintain devices, creating sustainable jobs and building local expertise. This model empowers communities, reduces reliance on imports, and fosters pride in self‑sufficiency. To date, Deaftronics has reached thousands of people, proving that innovation can be both inclusive and sustainable. With support from Awesome Disability, we will expand outreach workshops, distribute solar‑powered hearing aids to underserved areas, and strengthen training programs for Deaf youth. A $1000 grant will help us purchase materials for assembly kits, cover logistics for community demonstrations, and amplify awareness campaigns. This seed funding will catalyze broader partnerships and scale our mission. Our project embodies the spirit of “awesome”: simple yet transformative, rooted in lived experience, and designed to spread joy, independence, and opportunity. By lighting up ears with solar energy, we are lighting up futures. **What our grantee is saying:** “Receiving this award is both an honor and a catalyst. It affirms the importance of inclusive innovation and gives Deaftronics the momentum to expand access to solar-powered hearing aids and hospital accessibility tools. With this support, we can continue empowering Deaf communities and ensuring dignity through technology.” Sarah Molema Solar Solutions for Deaf Empowerment https://deaftronics.wordpress.com/ Worldwide Disability https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/disability tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/524401 2026-03-31T00:00:00Z 2026-03-31T13:55:32Z Madagascar stands at the front lines of both biodiversity loss and climate change impacts, harboring some of the world's most endangered species in its last remaining 5% of standing rainforest. With an average annual household income of less than $100, the people of southern Madagascar are equally endangered, enduring the first drought and famine officially attributed to climate change in 2021-2023. In a land wracked by wildfires every year, there is a desperate need to restore Madagascar's forests, as quickly and efficiently as possible, before time runs out for millions of people and countless species, including every lemur species on Earth. It is here that The Phoenix Conservancy has developed a successful, innovative approach to restoring rainforest: Foxhole Forests. Within a circular firebreak, dense plantings of fast-growing tree seeds are sheltered from fires, creating new islands of forest without creating a fuel ladder for fire to climb from grass into standing forest canopies. Better still, this approach is inherently modular and scalable, allowing us to directly provide economic benefits to community members in multiple ways throughout the restoration process by: -Directly purchasing seeds collected locally from individuals for use in restoration -Creating thousands of temporary jobs planting rainforest and building firebreaks -Generating multiple social enterprise commodities through strategic species use, including marula oil and voatsiperifery peppercorns -Increasing crop yields in areas surrounding the forest, as regenerating forest retains increased water on the landscape To date, the project has directly helped more than 6,000 individuals, who have directly informed our organization that they were able to survive recent famines only because of income earned planting their own rainforests. The iconic Ring-tailed Lemurs of Madagascar are found in Ivohiboro, and are benefitting from this regenerating forest alongside its people. Chris Duke Restoring Rainforest and Communities in Madagascar https://www.phoenixconservancy.org/madagascar Worldwide Conservation and Climate https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/conservationandclimate tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/519438 2026-03-29T00:00:00Z 2026-04-08T21:42:29Z In 2011, four Centre County women agreed we love to tell and listen to stories. True stories from lived experiences. We believed lots of other locals would also enjoy gathering to share stories and delight in hearing those of friends and neighbors. So we founded State of the Story (SOTS). Our instincts were right on. In the years since, more than 600 stories, honed in our estimated 250 workshops have been told live by almost 300 story tellers to over 3,000 audience members attending some 90 shows – all here in Centre County. Driven by requests, we now also offer workshops to local entities like churches, OLLI, children's and arts groups. Now we have the happy problem of how to accommodate Centre County’s growing appetite for stories as well as training requests from local organizations and from people in other communities seeking our help in launching their own SOTS-like enterprises. There are thousands more stories and tellers waiting here in our community. While we’ve taught for the Girl Scouts, St. Andrews Church, the Central PA Theatre and Dance Festival and Penn State’s OLLI, we’ve had to turn down other opportunities due to the capacity of the four member leadership team and our informal network of SOTS alums who can also teach our methods. Until now, no business model was necessary. Modest expenses were shouldered by the four member leadership team. That’s changing. In terms of revenue from ticket sales, 100% of proceeds are returned to the venue (currently 3Dots, formerly Webster’s and The State Theatre). As for expenses, we now have more significant expenses around publicity, upskilling, workshop and training materials and a self-published manual. With growth, we will need further support for operations. Anne Hoag State of the Story Media & Communications https://www.facebook.com/groups/1638207093125754 United States State College, PA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/statecollege tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/526054 2026-03-29T00:00:00Z 2026-03-26T12:29:50Z *DOG SHELTER VOLUNTEER* 📆 29 MARCH (SUNDAY) ⏰ 10AM - 1PM 📍HULU LANGAT Use Waze to drive to Hulu Langat: https://waze.com/ul/hw283v2j4e ACTIVITIES : 1. Feed & Bath doggos 2. Gotong-Royong abit 3. Simple Build Fence Work Snow wong Dog shelter volunteer Malaysia Kuala Lumpur https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/kualalumpur tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/515907 2026-03-27T00:00:00Z 2026-03-23T22:35:53Z CreativeMornings/Orlando is a FREE monthly breakfast lecture series based on the two core principles that everyone is creative and everyone is welcome. Each event includes a 30-minute lecture with Q&A and lots of coffee! Orlando is one of over 250 chapters around the world meeting each month. I was at the last Creative Morning, where Pat Greene was the speaker. The audience is generally made up of between 30 and 60 local creative people in all industries and levels of expertise, from recent college grads to seasoned veterans. The organizer is Victor Davila, assisted by a team of volunteers. Each presentation is filmed and posted online. Victor thanked the sponsor of the breakfast (donuts and coffee) at the beginning and the end of the presentation. It occurred to me that the Awesome Foundation could give a grant to sponsor breakfast. I asked Victor about it and he said breakfast costs between $100 and $200 per event (depending on expected attendance), which means a $1000 grant could sponsor between 5 and 10 monthly breakfast meetings. Victor said that a representative from the AF could get up and say a few words about the org, which I feel would be a great way to get some new and more qualified applications. It's a really great organization, and much like the AF, the Creative Mornings org is a worldwide collection of loosely-affiliated chapters who have a common goal and theme. Jim Hobart Sponsoring Creative Mornings to promote Awesome https://creativemornings.com/cities/orl/about United States Orlando, FL https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/orlando tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/507314 2026-03-26T00:00:00Z 2026-04-02T06:27:24Z Մայրն անսահման ազդեցիկ է․ դժվար է թերագնահատել նրա դերը յուրաքանչյուր անհատի կայացման հարցում։ Ժամանակն է գիտակցել այդ պատասխանատվություննը ու վերգտնել միասնականության ուժը։ Ներկայացնում ենք ամենաազդեցիկ կանանց առաջին մասնագիտական համաժողովը՝ ՄամաԺողովը։ Կստեղծվի յուրահատուկ բովանդակությամբ և հագեցվածությամբ յուրահատուկ օր՝ թեմատիկ զրույցներ, աշխատարաններ, նոր կապեր և փորձի փոխանակում համախոհների հետ։ ՄամաՖորումի թիմը ջանք և եռանդ չի խնայելու, որպեսզի ամենազբաղված, ամենաանգնահատելի մասնագետները՝ մայրերը, անցկացնեն հետաքրքիր, օգտակար և թևեր տվող անմոռանալի օր։ Մեր մասին ՄամաՖորումը գիտակից մայրերի փոխգործակցության և ինքնազարգացման կենտրոն է՝ միտված ներդաշնակ մայրության մշակույթի ձևավորմանը, կանանց արարչական ներուժի յուրացմանը և մայրական որակների տարածմանը։ Մենք հավատացած ենք, որ գիտելիքով, փորձով և համախոհներով «լիցքավորված» մայրերը առողջ և ամուր հասարակության հիմնասյունն են։ MamaForum Beta MamaForum 2026 Armenia Yerevan https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/yerevan tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/502757 2026-03-26T00:00:00Z 2026-03-27T02:39:56Z This event honors dedicated family members who provide daily care for their loved ones, allowing them to remain in our community. Many of these caretakers come after getting their families off to school but before they themselves are off to work. We also want to recognize our four aides who assist residents with essential tasks like laundry, shopping, and cleaning. We also want to recognize our four aides who assist residents with essential tasks like laundry, shopping, and cleaning. This event honors dedicated family members who provide daily care for their loved ones, allowing them to remain in our community. Regina Oriley McPherson Park Joy Club's Be Our Guest United States Gloucester, MA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/gloucester tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/484311 2026-03-25T00:00:00Z 2026-03-27T19:48:41Z The Book Cottage is an independent book shop on wheels. As a traveling book merchant I serve my customers out of a Japanese Kei truck. I sell new and used books. Along with logo merch, blind date with a book packages, crystals, and crochet bookmarks. I also have hand sewn star and mushroom plushies. Handmade bear trinkets. The Book Cottage travels to local events to encourage readers to pick up more books. As well as encouraging non-readers to start reading and fall in love with stories. I picked a Japanese kei truck to catch people's eyes and influence them to stop and look at books. I aspire to encourage young children, teens, and adults to change their lives with reading, ivy valentiny The Book Cottage United States South Bend, IN https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/southbend tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/476718 2026-03-25T00:00:00Z 2026-03-27T19:50:43Z My awesome project is my passion: Sharing and celebrating the history of South Bend and Mishawaka. I do this through my podcast, Round the Bend Now and Then, and a variety of social media channels. On the podcast, I talk with local leaders, historians, and community members to tell our area’s story. On social media, I share short stories that pair historic images with present-day photos to bring local history to life. My awesome goal for 2026 is to have a podcast released consistently every two weeks. Round the Bend Now and Then will still be a long-form, interview-based podcast, with conversations featuring people connected to South Bend and Mishawaka. Alongside those episodes, my awesome goal is to also share Round the Bend: A Short Story - Shorter, narrated episodes where I tell a local story myself, focused on a single moment, place, or person from our past. Same focus, just another way of telling it. The goal is to keep the episodes around 10 minutes. A South Bend Awesome Fund grant will directly support community history content and outreach that makes our city even more awesome, strengthening civic connection, elevating local voices, and preserving our shared cultural memory. Matt Emery Round the Bend Now and Then https://round-the-bend-now-and-then.captivate.fm/episodes United States South Bend, IN https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/southbend tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/519431 2026-03-25T00:00:00Z 2026-03-27T19:45:36Z During the FIFA World Cup, we will transform the outdoor patio at Manny’s into a community-focused “World Cup Fan Zone” for South Bend. The Manny’s World Cup Patio will be a welcoming space where people from all backgrounds can gather to experience the world’s most popular sporting event together. We will show matches outdoors on a large screen and create an immersive, festival-like atmosphere inspired by the fan zones seen in cities around the world. The patio will be visually transformed with international flags hung from the building and overhead café lights, creating a canopy that celebrates the many cultures represented in our community. We also plan to host a bracket-style contest that allows guests to engage with the tournament and follow along throughout its duration, along with select themed match days highlighting different countries and soccer traditions. South Bend is home to a growing and diverse international population, including many students and families who follow the World Cup passionately. This project creates a space where those communities, and the broader public, can come together, connect, and celebrate global culture through sport. The fan zone will be open to the public with no cover charge, making it an accessible and inviting environment for anyone who wants to participate. While food and beverage will be available for purchase, no ticket is required to attend. Karen McGuire Manny’s World Cup Patio: South Bend Fan Zone United States South Bend, IN https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/southbend tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/345746 2026-03-25T00:00:00Z 2026-03-26T10:40:58Z UMass Boston does "road shows" to create digital archives for communities in Massachusetts. They haven't been to Georgetown yet! I'm on the Historical Commission, and I think it would be great to do this road show for Georgetown. Here's the description from the UMass Boston web site: The Mass. Memories Road Show is a statewide, event-based participatory archiving program that documents people, places, and events in Massachusetts history through family photographs and stories. Archivists and public historians in University Archives and Special Collections in the Joseph P. Healey Library at UMass Boston collaborate with local planning teams and volunteers to organize free public events where individuals bring photographs to be copied and included in a digital archive. Contributors are invited to describe the photographs in their own words. In addition, they may choose to share “the story behind the photos” on video, have their own “keepsake photo” taken, receive advice on caring for their family photos, and learn from one another about the history of their community. Since its launch in 2004, the Mass. Memories Road Show has digitized more than 13,000 photographs and stories from across the state, creating an educational resource of primary sources for future generations. See the Mass Memories web page: https://blogs.umb.edu/massmemories/ Here is the digital archive for the Amesbury MM road show: https://openarchives.umb.edu/digital/collection/p15774coll6/search/searchterm/Amesbury%20Mass.%20Memories%20Road%20Show/mode/exact Amy Smith Georgetown Mass Memories Road Show https://openarchives.umb.edu/digital/collection/p15774coll6 United States Georgetown, MA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/georgetown tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/477797 2026-03-25T00:00:00Z 2026-03-26T01:19:52Z Kinship Farm’s Grow Food for Good (GFG) program empowers families, children, and community neighbors in Hamilton-Wenham to grow food and eggs that are donated through the Acord Food Pantry to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity. What began as a small act of generosity has grown into a community-driven effort rooted in education, environmental stewardship, and service. GFG invites people of all ages to participate in growing something meaningful—through gardening, raising chicks, caring for laying hens, and helping with harvest and distribution. Participants learn where food comes from, how to care for the land, and how small, collective actions can make a real difference close to home. We are expanding GFG through a new partnership with the Cuvilly Arts & Earth Center and Acord to repurpose food waste from Acord to feed animals at the School. Cuvilly has also joined GFG as an egg donor, increasing the supply of fresh, nutritious food shared with the community. In addition, Kinship Farm will support Cuvilly’s community garden efforts, helping them to grow produce on site that will be shared locally. Together, these partnerships expand access to locally grown food and strengthen food distribution through Acord. As interest grows, so does impact. Currently, eight households participate as egg donors. In the past year alone, GFG donated more than 4,262 eggs, installed 10 raised garden beds at group homes, feed the group homes directly from their gardens, and generated over 300 pounds of extra fresh produce for local neighbors in need through Acord. Kinship Farm and GFG is about more than food, we are about cultivating good through generosity, resilience, and belonging. We believe food grown with intention and shared with love makes Hamilton-Wenham stronger, kinder, and more Awesome-r. Thank you for considering to help us in expanding our project and for championing grassroots ideas that help our community thrive. Wendy Roberts Repurpose Food Wastes initiative https://kinshipfarm.org/pages/grow-food-for-good United States Hamilton-Wenham, MA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/hamilton-wenham tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/509297 2026-03-25T00:00:00Z 2026-04-05T14:41:49Z AFRI is proud to support Audio Geography, a vinyl record and cassette tape production service that helps independent musicians and artists create physical media by producing affordable, small run orders and customization. Traditional record pressing requires high minimum orders and longer wait times, while Audio Geography has no minimum order. Newer artists, hobbyists, and gift givers alike benefit from having a local, craft-based vinyl producer right here in Rhode Island. Tyler Bisson Audio Geography http://www.audiogeography.com United States Rhode Island https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/rhodeisland tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/485398 2026-03-24T00:00:00Z 2026-03-25T18:03:32Z Nourishing the North Shore (NNS) will host (11) weekly VEGOUT Farmers Markets at the Newburyport Senior Center this summer every Thursday from July 16 through September 23. These FREE farmers markets ensure that low-income residents, primarily seniors, have reliable access to fresh, local food. A wide variety of fruits and vegetables are provided to guests at no cost. We typically have 55 guests attend the market each week. Our guests and farm partners also think our VEGOUT Markets are awesome, here is what two of them had to say: “The produce is fresh, delicious and nutritious. Nutrition is very important to me now, since I recently had a heart attack. I’ve had to rethink my diet by making sure I add more vegetables.” Keith, regular attendee of the 2025 VEGOUT Market at the NBPT Senior Center. “NNS programs are important to our business because it creates a direct channel for our produce to get to low income, healthy-food insecure communities while also providing needed income.” Stacey Apple, Iron Ox Farm (Hamilton) Rosemary Turgeon VEGOUT Farmers Market -- Fresh Food for All! http://nourishingthenorthshore.org United States Newburyport, MA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/newburyport tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/507179 2026-03-24T00:00:00Z 2026-03-25T16:11:44Z Bad Draft Reading Series is a free, public monthly staged reading series produced by New Wave Theatre Company that gives emerging Chicago playwrights a space to share unfinished work -- drafts that are raw, risky, and still becoming. In Chicago’s storefront theatre ecosystem, early-career writers often struggle to get developmental opportunities unless a piece is already “production-ready.” Bad Draft flips that model. We invite artists to bring work that isn’t polished yet and place it in front of a live audience for feedback, conversation, and growth. Each reading features: • A new or developing play by a Chicago artist • Volunteer actors from our established performer network • A facilitated audience dialogue after the reading • Open, low-barrier access for community members We have already hosted successful readings that brought together artists and audiences in intimate, joyful, collaborative spaces. The energy is electric. Audiences get to witness process, and writers leave with tangible feedback and new collaborators. The $1,000 from the Chicago Awesome Foundation will fund the continuation of Bad Draft Reading Series for the remainder of 2026. Because each reading costs approximately $100 to produce (space, printing, basic supplies, and hospitality), this grant would directly fund 10 additional public readings. This support fills 10 real rooms filled with Chicago artists and neighbors taking creative risks together. Bad Draft is ambitious in spirit but incredibly feasible in execution. We already have the network, the format, and the community demand. Awesome’s support ensures that financial barriers never prevent this series from continuing. Zoe Replinger Bad Draft Reading Series 2026 https://www.newwavetheatreco.org/upcoming-projects/ United States Chicago, IL https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/chicago tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/506782 2026-03-24T00:00:00Z 2026-03-25T15:54:36Z Hi-Five Nights is a sensory-friendly comedy and music night for families with differently abled kids on Chicago's South Side. Most special needs families don't get a night out. Sitters who can handle feeding tubes and seizure protocols are expensive if you can find them at all. Restaurants get weird when your kid is loud or moves differently. So families stay home or they get a break, but it means leaving their kid behind. It shouldn't have to be one or the other. And here's the thing nobody talks about: even when events exist, the ticket price is a gamble. Sometimes your kid has a rough day — a seizure, a meltdown, sensory overload, or a big kid sized blowout, and you have to leave an event early . I've skipped events I wanted to attend because I couldn't afford the risk of paying $50+ per person ($100+ fees for 2) for a night that might last half an hour. That fear has kept me home many times. Hi-Five Nights changes that. The first event is a 2-hour evening with a stand-up comedian who's a former special ed teacher and mom of two kids on the spectrum, interactive games like a kids' drum-off, and a quiet zone for anyone who gets overstimulated. No one has to explain their kid. No one has to apologize. And if you need to leave early, you didn't just blow your budget for the month. Every family deserves a night out — not despite their kid, but because of them. Ariane Roberson Hi-Five Nights United States Chicago, IL https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/chicago tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/351355 2026-03-24T00:00:00Z 2026-03-25T02:01:17Z CAPE ANN ARTS ALIVE is A CHORAL/ARTS PROGRAM for CHILDREN and TEEN MENTORS. OUR MISSION is to foster children’s appreciation for the unique geography, history, and culture of Cape Ann, as well as their own sense of belonging to her ongoing story. Through the creative disciplines of music, visual arts, theater, dance, and interaction with the people and places of the area, we strive to cultivate curiosity, encourage artistic expression, and build confidence and desire to engage generously with peers and community. Each year we choose a feature of Cape Ann to learn AND sing about! Past themes have included the Boats, the Legends, the Sculptures, the Ocean waters and skies, the 10, 000 yr. History of Cape Ann, the Granite Industry, etc.. The theme for 2025: “BEAST, BIRD, and FISH! ~ the Creatures of Cape Ann!" learning about legendary, domesticated, and wild creatures amongst us. Our activities will be based at St. John's Episcopal Church in Gloucester (our generous hosts since 2016), with excursions to Cape Ann Museum, Maritime Museum, and a harbor sail on the Schooner Adventure. . All we experience during the week will be reflected in a public presentation of art work, dramatic vignettes, and lots of singing on the final day. Beyond the summer program, CAAA singers have performed at the annual Schooner Festival, the holiday Middle Street Walk, and with Jazz pianist David Benoit at the Shalin Liu Performance Center. In summer 2024 we toured the quarry sites of Pigeon Cove, helped Anthony split a granite slab at Johnson's Quarry, and sang out over the quarry waters at Halibut Point. This is our aim - to guide kids in musical/artistic endeavors that help them to appreciate their home, and its place in the context of the broader world. We hope to ground them in their own value to this community, even at an early age, as they witness how their refreshing spirit, energy, and voices remind listeners of the joy still to be found in these complicated times. Kristina W. Martin Cape Ann Arts Alive ~ a Choral/Arts program http://www.capeannartsalive.org United States Rockport, MA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/rockport tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/473253 2026-03-23T00:00:00Z 2026-03-23T14:39:14Z Greater is a short experimental documentary that captures endangered Black family archives in Detroit before they disappear. Centered on the Apex Bar, a Black-owned business in Paradise Valley, the project gathers oral histories, family photographs, street sounds, and material memory to preserve stories that were never meant for institutional archives but sustained entire communities. What makes this project awesome is its urgency and inventiveness. Rather than waiting for perfect conditions or institutional permission, the film intervenes now, recording elders while they are still here and activating memory through beauty, texture, and sound. Interviews unfold alongside poetic visual sequences using textiles, light, and abstraction, allowing history to be felt, not just explained. The $1,000 grant would be used immediately to support travel to interview elders, digitize family photographs, and capture sound and video at meaningful locations tied to the Apex Bar. Jaylen Baity is a local videographer that will shoot this project. All of these funds will be allocated to him. This small but catalytic support would help secure fragile stories at a critical moment, transforming personal memory into a shared cultural artifact. This project believes that preserving Black memory is not only necessary, but radical. It fills the gap between what was lived and what was recorded, ensuring that these stories are not lost to time, redevelopment, or silence. That act of care, urgency, and imagination is what makes this project awesome. Taylor Childs Apex Documentary http://www.taylorchildsstudios.com United States Detroit, MI https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/detroit tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/521324 2026-03-23T00:00:00Z 2026-03-23T22:37:09Z An exotic grand opening for the exhibition of two dozen of Terry Olson's photographs of Morocco featuring, Olson dressed as the "American Sheikh," talking about the exhibit and giving tours of his artwork. Also there will be Moroccan treats, mint tea as well as wine, free henna applications, music, a life-size cardboard camel sculpture created by Moses Forrest, door prizes including a Moroccan Hammam spa experience, tanjine dinner for two, live camel experience, Moroccan handicraft and more. Swag bags containing Moroccan tea and information will be available to all as they leave. Boris Garbe Free Exotic Arts Opening:Terry Olson photography https://millsgalleryorlando.com/upcoming-events United States Orlando, FL https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/orlando tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/513707 2026-03-19T00:00:00Z 2026-03-29T14:18:26Z We’re a mom and pop thrift collective, that operates in the evening hours. We host 15 different vendors ranging from poetry, to vintage, to artisans, to mocktail makers- to help keep money local and in community, keeping our money away from online. We take in donations to keep things local, and anything we don’t use we upcycle with in house crafters (who also do repairs for low fees!). We are a community hub that hosts (sober) events, our monthly calendar is usually filled with community craft nights, tiny thrift store concerts, curated poetry nights. We hope to use this bodega’s success in the future as a medium to elevate, local artisans and Thrifters, to create a more sustainable locally funded shopping experience. Gia Arcos A.M. Knick Knacks & Thrift Bodega http://Instagram.com/pmthriftbodega Canada Kingston https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/kingston-on tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/478601 2026-03-18T00:00:00Z 2026-03-18T22:31:43Z Shelley Street Community Garden is a much-loved, community-led space that brings people together through growing food, sharing knowledge and caring for nature in the heart of Toronto, Lake Macquarie. Supported by The Groundswell Collective, the garden is a living example of how small, local actions can regenerate biodiversity, build social connection and strengthen climate resilience. This proposal seeks support to install a native stingless beehive at Shelley Street Community Garden, paired with hands-on workshops focused on pollination, urban ecology and caring for Country. Native bees are gentle, fascinating and perfectly suited to community spaces. They play a vital role in pollinating food crops and native plants, yet are often overlooked in urban environments. The hive will directly support the productivity and health of the garden, improving pollination of fruiting plants while also acting as a powerful education tool. Through a series of accessible workshops, community members of all ages will learn about native bees, their role in local ecosystems, and simple actions they can take to support pollinators at home, on verges and in shared spaces. Workshops will be delivered by experienced facilitators from The Groundswell Collective and local bee experts, blending science, storytelling and practical learning. Participants will gain confidence, curiosity and a deeper connection to place — values that sit at the heart of both Shelley Street Community Garden and the Awesome Foundation’s mission to spark joy, creativity and positive change. This project leaves a lasting legacy: a thriving native bee colony, stronger pollination outcomes, and a community better equipped to care for biodiversity where they live. A small investment will create ongoing environmental and social impact — proving once again that awesome things happen when communities are empowered to care for nature together. Anna Scobie Bringing the Buzz to Shelley Street https://thegroundswell.org.au/about-us/community-garden/ Australia Lake Mac https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/lakemac tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/515021 2026-03-18T00:00:00Z 2026-03-26T15:25:38Z Hi! My name is Riley Brennan. I am in the 8th grade at Ipswich Middle School. Something about me is I love to play softball. Softball has taught me teamwork, confidence, and how to keep trying even when things get difficult. I want to help kids in Ipswich be able to have the same fun and life changing experiences I have had. Right now, the Ipswich youth softball program (Ipswich Travel Softball) is lacking younger players, especially in the 8U and 10U age groups. Enrollment in our spring league is down 33% from 2024. If we want the program to stay strong in the future, we need to build interest and excitement for the sport early. One challenge the program is facing is families not wanting to commit to the price of softball and the time aspect of it. This is unfair to kids because kids should be able to try out the sport and see if they are interested in it. My sister Taylor, our friend Abby, and myself have an idea that we think will make Ipswich awesome. Our idea is to host two Ipswich Youth Softball Fundamentals Clinics along with our coaches and teammates where younger players can learn the basics of softball in a fun and supportive environment. Players would rotate through stations learning skills like throwing, catching, hitting, fielding, and base running. Older players and volunteers would help run the stations and encourage the younger athletes. These clinics would give the kids a feel for the sport and see if they want to pursue this sport in the future. Riley Brennan Future Sluggers of Ipswich United States Ipswich, MA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/ipswich tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/514510 2026-03-18T00:00:00Z 2026-03-26T15:24:52Z The Ipswich High School softball and baseball teams are collaborating to raise money to get an indoor batting cage system for the high school gym! With our spring seasons beginning in March, our outdoor fields aren't in very good shape. They're muddy and wet from melting snow and frequent rain, which makes it hard to practice on. Instead, we often practice indoors at the high school gym. However, it's difficult to live hit or even pitch indoors, with the risk of damaging the gymnasium. The indoor batting cage is a large net system, which would be easy to set up inside the gym for practices. We'd be able to live hit off of a pitching machine or warm up our pitchers without risking damage to the gym or other players. It would help improve the quality of our practices on rainy days, where in the past we would not have as productive of practices indoors. Ipswich Softball/Baseball Captains IHS Softball/Baseball Indoor Batting Cage United States Ipswich, MA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/ipswich tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/515931 2026-03-18T00:00:00Z 2026-03-19T18:15:25Z Our project is centered around bringing people together through music in a screen free way. Our community listening station allows anyone to discover new music, interests, and passions through a musical form that connects across generations. We plan to fuse modern and vintage vinyls with a classic listening device. The plan is to create an experience that feels nostalgic and exciting for people of all ages. The area will include two record players and a wide variety of vinyls, we will also include a donation crate for anyone who would care to donate any vinyls of their own to the project. We plan to set our project up in a popular spot in Ipswich where we can reach the most people possible in our community. We could set up our little record station in the corner of a local business in Ipswich and increase the space's mood and atmosphere, bringing people together to bond over music and enjoy the experiences derived from listening to records. Evan Kelly, Jonah Allen, Sawyer Hancock The Ipswich listening station United States Ipswich, MA https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/ipswich tag:www.awesomefoundation.org,2005:Project/513332 2026-03-17T00:00:00Z 2026-03-18T03:16:07Z The Bigfoot Poetry Festival is an annual, three-day series of literary events taking place in downtown Portland, OR. Bigfoot offers a wide array of poetry open mics, writing and performance workshops, showcases, a poetry market, and themed poetry slams throughout the weekend, all of which are free and open to the public. Some notable events are the Nerd Slam (themed around various fandoms), the Youth Slam (exclusive to younger poets), and the BIPOC open mic series (centering poets of color). This will be our fifth year organizing and facilitating this festival. Additionally, the festival is headlined by a national poetry slam tournament, in which sixteen teams of poets and spoken word artists from across the country compete in bouts scored by judges over the course of the festival. Teams will compete in two preliminary bouts on the first two nights and the top four highest-scoring teams move onto our Finals Stage event on the last night. While only registered teams can compete in the tournament, the preliminary bouts are also free and open to the public to attend. Finals Stage is the only ticketed event of the entire festival. Our goal is for the festival to be as accessible to everyone as possible. We work with ADA compliant venues, are COVID conscious, keep our venues within walking distances from one another, and do outreach with high schools to provide opportunities for local youth poets. We strive to showcase the best of contemporary performance poetry, the best of the city of Portland, and the best our community has to offer. We believe everyone’s voice deserves to be heard and that poetry has the power to change lives. The Bigfoot Poetry Festival is awesome because it brings together some of the best poets and performers from across the country, promotes local and national literary community, and provides opportunities for writers from all walks of life, especially historically marginalized communities, to have their voices and poems heard. Julia Gaskill The Bigfoot Poetry Festival https://www.bigfootpoetryfestival.com/ United States Portland, OR https://www.awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/portland